This will not affect licences already awarded, it said, but will impact on the 14th onshore round which opened in July last year and will be awarded in two tranches, the first due to be announced in August and the second later in the year.
The government’s decision not to grant new petroleum exploration and development licences (PEDLs) is in accordance with the new devolution settlements set out in the Scotland Bill, currently before parliament, and the soon to be introduced Wales Bill.
“Devolved administrations already have significant control of onshore oil and gas activities through planning and environmental systems,” said energy minister Andrea Leadsom. “But as we have previously announced in the Queen’s Speech, we are giving the Welsh and Scottish governments more decision-making powers when it comes to licensing.”
Member of the Welsh assembly Llyr Gruffydd said the decision not to permit further licensing for fracking in Wales “suggests our pressure has worked”.
“I have pressed both Decc and the Welsh government to uphold a moratorium on fracking in Wales,” he said. “And this decision appears to reflect the strength of popular opinion in Wales. Devolved powers in this field will ensure dangerous fracking doesn’t risk our communities, water and environment.”